HANDS-on pupils have been helping get unwanted mountain bikes back on the road.

Weston College students were given several damaged bicycles from Avon and Somerset police and after fixing a few have decided to launch a cycle maintenance business and buy extra equipment and tools.

Foundation learning lecturer, Nigel Cooksley, said: “A community police officer got us these battered old mountain bikes and we’ve made them roadworthy again.

“I brought in my own tools and the students enjoy learning new practical skills that stay with them for life and save them money.”

Pupils, who are appealing for �1,000 to help buy safety equipment, tools and bike stands, have been fixing the bikes at The Hub, which is part of the college’s third campus on an eight-and-a-half acre site at the former Clark’s Factory.

To make a donation to the cycle maintenance course call 01934 411751.